Impatiens and Begonias

Specialty Impatiens display abundant flower color and shapes that will brighten the darkest corner. Begonias offer a cornucopia of ornate foliage, flower forms and intense colors for areas with shade to full sun.

Trailing Impatiens such as the Butterfly series are great for hanging baskets (Impatiens 'Buttlerfly Salmon with Eye' pictured here)

Begonias

Dragon Wing Begonias

Easy!

Grows in full sun to part shade

Large waxy leaves create a tropical look

Prolific flowers in pink or red

Colorful houseplants

Rex Begonias

Fantastic foliage colors, textures and shapes

Lush tropical look that adds zest to any combination or alone in a pot.

Great houseplants for low light

Tuberous Begonias

Amazing, fluffy flowers in a wide range of colors

Low maintenance requiring little water and fertilizer

Versatile - great in pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and in ground

Edible flowers

Easy to overwinter

Unique Begonias

Bonfire begonias and relatives give an elegant look to any container

Fuchsia begonias have unique small shiny leaves, prolific pink flowers and bloom early

Begonia luxurians adds a distinctive tropical texture and reaches 3-5' tall in a single season.

Doublet begonias have darling double flowers on top of shiny dark leaves

Rieger Begonias (shown here) have rosebud-style flowers that come in a wide array of colors.

Impatiens FAQs

Which Impatiens can take full sun?

New Guinea Impatiens are the most tolerant of full sun. A new series called SunPatiens is specifically bread for this purpose. Classic bedding Impatiens such as the Accent series can also grow in full sun provided copious amounts of water.

Why are my Impatiens wilting and not perking up after I water?

There could be several reasons Impatiens may do this. First is that they are incredibly sensitive to cold and if they are planted too early temperatures in the thirties will damage or kill Impatiens. The second reason water would not perk up wilting Impatiens is overwatering or poorly drained soil.

Can I cut back my leggy Impatiens?

Yes you can cut leggy Impatiens by about a third to encourage compact plants. Keep in mind that they will take at least a month of growth and fertilizing to look good again. A good strategy is to cut back half of your plants in July and the other half in August.

Begonia FAQs

Which begonias can grow in full sun?

Many begonias will do just fine in full sun. The bedding plant fibrous begonias, Dragon Wing Begonias and Bonfire Begonias handle full sun best.

How often do I need to water and fertilize my begonias?

Begonias like to get mostly dry between waterings. They will perform at their best with monthly fertilizing or an application of a slow release fertilizer at planting time.

How do I overwinter my begonias?

Begonias can spend the winter indoors as houseplants in a bright window with minimal water. Tuberous and Bonfire begonias can be stored in a basement or garage for the winter.